SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION THEORIES

General Foundation

Course description This module offers an introduction to the theories related with second language acquisition. The module ties with other modules related to language education such as ‘introduction to language teaching methods’ or ‘language testing’ and rounds up the discourse on the subject. Some of the topics covered are: interlanuage, the role of L1 to L2 acquisition, and feedback,. Students attending the course also have the opportunity to discuss issues such as the age factor in second language acquisition, motivation, and personal factors such as the cognitive and learning style of the individual student. The course is ideal for those who wish to further their career in applied linguistics. Teaching and learning delivery strategies of course development Students are offered four different approaches to complete the course, leading to four different methods of evaluation (see below): 1. Traditional mode. The students attend a series of lectures, a seminar and a workshop on different topics related to the theme. In addition, there are periods of autonomous learning for preparation on the topics before the seminar or the workshop, which require active participation by the student. The seminar is offered by colleagues from the same school, university, or from another university - via live face to face classes or through SKYPE, either through videotaped lessons sent by international scholars or though video selected from UTUBE, or finally, by invited experts from the private sector. The workshop works with the active participation of students and it is organized after autonomous study by the students in a prearranged topic. Students studying independently (or in groups – in the form of communities of practice) and arrive at conclusions which are later presented and discussed in the classroom. Finally, in these workshops experts on the subject, academics or individuals from the private sector are invited, for live or distance collaboration. The course evolves over a period of 13 weeks with 3-hour lessons per week, a total of 39 hours: a) theory 12 hours, b) autonomous learning, 9 hours, d) class work on understanding findings from research on the topic, 3 hours, e) seminar, 3 hours, f) quiz, 9 hours and g) course introduction and exam information, 6 hours. Additionally 26 hours for student counseling are offered during the course through tutorials. Classes are held every Thursday 18:00 to 21:00 in room 15 in the basement of the Old Philosophy Building. The consulting hours are offered between 09.00 and 11.00 or from 13.00 to 15.00 every Tuesday and Thursday respectively, either face to face or via SKYPE or after other arrangements between the teacher and the students. 2. Autonomous learning or supervised study. Those students who select this approach need to study the learning material autonomously and come in face to face or through SKYPE contact with the instructor every week (tutorials), individually or in groups of up to four people. Also, they are invited to attend via SKYPE seminars which are offered during the course. Monitoring of their work can be performed via an external partner, expert on the subject, or the course instructor. This option is designed primarily for students who cannot access the university premises due to some disability or heavy work schedule. 3. Independent primary empirical research. The students who select this approach study the material offered (by secondary research) related to the issue they wish to deal with and then investigate a hypothesis. They are in constant contact with the instructor face to face or via SKYPE. This approach is offered as an option to students who teach large groups of pupils in state or private schools. The completed study is presented at the end of the semester to the instructor and is submitted for presentation at international conferences and publication in scientific journals. Also, these students are invited to attend via SKYPE seminars offered during the course. 4. Independent secondary research. The student approaches a subject through secondary research, studying the views of other researchers on the issue. His/her study results in solid conclusions on the topic. During the semester there is continuous face to face or via SKYPE contact with the instructor. Also, these students are invited to attend the via SKYPE seminars offered during the course. The above options are not associated with the cognitive abilities of the students or their general skills (which I'm sure they would be sufficient for any work) but based on existing knowledge on the subject, their motivation and their personal obligations during the course. The ultimate goal is to support students for successful completion of the module with the largest scientific benefits for them. Finally, discussions via SKYPE are recorded and sent to students at the end of the conversation as supporting material for their learning. Course aims and objectives and learning outcomes It is the aim of this course to urge students understand the various processes and variables which take place and intervene in second language acquisition and thus comprehend the nature of errors committed by language learners and thereupon intensify quality in their teaching. In parallel, students during the course will deal with findings resulting from experimental research in the field. At the end of the semester students should be able to: • Understand the phenomena and variables interrelated second language acquisition • Discuss the parameters influencing second language acquisition using the right terminology • Investigate and take into consideration the personal differences of their students • Understand variance of their students cognitive and learning style • Enrich students learning strategies with new ones

Course Content (Syllabus) The course is divided in 3 chapters. Each chapter deals with a different set of topics: 1. the first chapter contains two classes dedicated to an introductory and a closing session, 2. the second chapter offers an initial discussion on relevant terminology and on traditional topics related to the general theme, such as interlanguage, error analysis and personal differences, 3. the third chapter is presenting current issues discussed under the umbrella of Second Language Acquisition theories, such as Cognitive and Learning Style, Motivation and Feedback. In particular topics discussed are: 1st week Introduction to the course, modes of teaching and learning, modes of collaboration, evaluation methods, assignments. 2nd week Relevant terms, comparing Acquisition with Learning, Foreign and Second Language. (Theory) 3nd week The role of the first language to the acquisition of the second (Theory and Practice) 4th week Interlanguage – 1st QUIZ (Theory) 5th week Error Analysis (Theory and Practice) 6th week Personal Differences in Language Acquisition (Theory, Part A) – 2nd QUIZ 7th week Personal Differences in Language Acquisition (Theory, Part B) 8th week Cognitive Style (Theory and Practice) 9th week Learning Style (Theory and Practice) 10th week Learning Strategies (Theory and Practice) 11th week Motivation and Feedback (Theory Part A) 12th week Feedback (Theory and Practice Part B) – 3rd QUIZ 13th week Final Exams (analysis of topics and marking) Dates of class meetings: October, November, December, January, The content is deployed in a period of 13 weeks (one semester) with 3 hours classes every week, in total 39 teaching hours. These include: a) 3 hours of introduction to the course content at the beginning of the semester and 3 hours dedicated to exam preparation and paper correction at the end of the course (total of 6 hours), b) 24 hours of theory, and c) 9 hours of practice in class. In addition, there are 26 consultation hours offered during the semester. Classes take place every Thursday from 18.00 – 21.00 at Aula A, found at the basement of the New Building of the School of Philosophy. In particular topics discussed are: 1st week Introduction to the course, modes of teaching and learning, modes of collaboration, evaluation methods, assignments. 2nd week Relevant terms, comparing Acquisition with Learning, Foreign and Second Language. (Theory) 3nd week The role of the first language to the acquisition of the second (Theory and Practice) 4th week Interlanguage – 1st QUIZ (Theory) 5th week Error Analysis (Theory and Practice) 6th week Personal Differences in Language Acquisition (Theory, Part A) – 2nd QUIZ 7th week Personal Differences in Language Acquisition (Theory, Part B) 8th week Cognitive Style (Theory and Practice) 9th week Learning Style (Theory and Practice) 10th week Learning Strategies (Theory and Practice) 11th week Motivation and Feedback (Theory Part A) 12th week Feedback (Theory and Practice Part B) – 3rd QUIZ 13th week Final Exams (analysis of topics and marking)

Second Language Acquisition Theories, Feedback, Motivation, Age, Cognitive and Learning Style

14-07-2015